Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen never compromised on quality. His furniture is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, and unlike many designers of his day, Henningsen — a dogged perfectionist — rarely permitted any of his pieces to be built outside of his own workshop. Each of his elegant low-profile tables, chairs and sofas feature the clean lines and graceful curves typically associated with vintage mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture.
Henningsen was born in 1889 and apprenticed as a cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. He was mentored by the well-known and respected cabinetmaker I.P. Mørck and completed his apprenticeship at the age of 22.
Henningsen also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where one of his teachers was legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint, who is frequently called the father of Danish modernism. Henningsen saw Klint as a friendly rival, which motivated him to refine his craftsmanship and technique.
Henningsen traveled throughout Germany, France, and Great Britain to gather knowledge, experience and inspiration. He returned to Copenhagen in 1915 and set up a furniture store and workshop to create and sell his own designs. He also developed relationships with Rud Rasmussen and Carl Hansen & Søn, the only furniture manufacturers he trusted to produce his designs.
Bucking the angular and geometric furniture trends of the time, Henningsen embraced fluid and organic forms. Much of his inspiration came from the Rococo, French Empire and British 17th-century styles he encountered on his travels. The 1930 Heritage chair is a prime example of these influences. It features soft, curving lines and has a sophisticated appeal.
Another piece that showcases Henningsen’s style and craftsmanship is the 1952 Signature chair. A striking work that features an inviting curved seat atop sinuous carved wood legs, the Signature chair was his last design.
The straightforward and timeless style of Henningsen furniture continues to enjoy popularity today. In fact, in 2015, Carl Hansen & Son reissued the iconic Signature chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.
Frits Henningsen Cane, Mahogany, and Leather 10 1/2 Ft Bench
By Frits Henningsen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Frits Henningsen was a cabinet maker and known for his labor-intensive, hand-built furniture items, using hardwoods such as mahogany. This bench is amazi...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
$4,308Sale Price / set|75% Off
H 30.71 in W 90.16 in D 32.29 in
Black Leather Sofa and Armchair Attributed to Frits Henningsen, C1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This black leather sofa and armchair were probably made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, circa 1950. The original black leather is well patinated with signs of wear and some cracking to leather. The backrest reclines significantly, making this a comfortable and usable sofa...
Leather
$9,477 / set
H 34.26 in W 22.84 in D 25.2 in
Pair of Frits Henningsen Armchairs in Mahogany, Cane and Leather, Denmark, 1931
By Frits Henningsen
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed and produced by Frits Henningsen in Denmark in the early 1930s. The frames are crafted from solid mahogany, showcasing warm tones and finely...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
$18,000
H 29.5 in W 94.75 in D 32.75 in
1930's Frits Henningsen Sofa with Dramatic Flared Arms of Mahogany.
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Oakland, CA
Sofa by master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1938. The design features dramatic flared arms crafted from Cuban mahogany and a traditionally constructed seat with eight-way ...
Mohair, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Style Vintage Leather Wingback Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Coronado, CA
A large, vintage, wingback chair in the manner of Frits Henningsen, featuring a high curved back, pointed arms, button tufting, and tall curved legs with carved detail. This unique, ...
Leather, Wood
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen 1889-1965. Desk arm chair in solid mahogany, seat with original horse hair upholstery. Designed in 1930-1950. Hight to Armrest 65 cm Frits Henningsen was both a d...
Mahogany
Rud Thygesen Ashwood and Cane Bench
By Rud Thygesen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Designed by Rud Thygesen and executed by master cabinetmaker Niels Roth Andersen, this bench is effortlessly graceful. Bent and laminated ash with visible joinery. The cane is delica...
Cane, Ash
$27,248
H 28.75 in W 84.65 in D 29.93 in
Frits Henningsen "Box Sofa" in Mahogany, Denmark 1940s, 1940's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Hellouw, NL
A rare box sofa by Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, dating from around the 1940s. Its enclosed wooden frame and carefully shaped upholstery reflect Henningsen’s refined approach...
Mahogany
$4,200
H 30 in W 21.5 in D 21.5 in
Frits Henningsen Double Layer Caned Back Transitional Modern Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This armchair was designed and built by master Danish cabinet maker Frits Henningsen. The chair features a double layered cane back, new wool-linen blend upholstery in a flax/pale sa...
Cane, Beech
1960s Tufted and Cane Bench
Located in New York, NY
1960s Walnut and Cane Tufted Bench.
Cane, Wood
Frits Henningsen Art Deco Cuban Mahogany Armchair c.1933
By Frits Henningsen
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Frits Henningsen Art Deco Cuban Mahogany Armchair c.1933.
Leather, Wood
Frits Henningsen Settee
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Unlike many of the great Danish designers, Frits Henningsen also ran his own cabinet-making shop. He cared deeply about quality of materials, and was uncompromising in the constructi...
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Style Leather Wingback Chair and Ottoman
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
Frits Henningsen style leather wingback chair and ottoman. The chair and ottoman is dark blue leather with a wood frame.
Leather, Wood
Frits Henningsen, Four Seat Bench
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen four seat bench with frame of mahogany. Seat of horsehair. Made in the 1940s.
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Oak Long Bench, Circa 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
A rare Danish polished oak and upholstered long bench, designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, circa 1940s, with an upholstered seat between low curved armrest and bolster cushion...